2013 Newell 2020P Recreational Vehicle First Drive

Making The Best Even Better

Every now and then, a standard bearer arises that defines the epitome of quality and performance. These products are considered above their peers and garner the respect due to any item that exceeds all expectations. In the watch industry it’s definitely Rolex that sets this standard. In the RV industry, Newell is the brand that holds that title.

A Newell Coach is unique. Unlike traditional motorhomes, Newell does not purchase a chassis nor does it convert an existing bus. Each Newell is built from the ground up and is custom built to each buyer’s unique specifications. It takes 5 1/2 months to build a Newell Coach and thousands of man-hours by skilled technicians are combined with the highest quality materials to create the ultimate motorhome. Newell strives for constant improvement and innovative designs and technology to create the ultimate driving experience. Naturally, this kind of uncompromising commitment to quality and performance does not place them in the average person’s entry-level budget but if they are within your price range, they truly do offer a ton of value for the price. Newells are not just a dressed-up, high-end, Class A motorhome. They are a blend of cutting-edge technology, superlative engineering, and attractive décor.

Most road tests and reviews are based upon a typical motorhome with a popular floor plan. Because Newells are highly customized, no two coaches are alike. Therefore, this review will explain the common features incorporated into every Newell rather than get too detailed into the unique specifics of a particular coach. The coach that was used for our road test, photos, and review was typical of most Newells so it will serve as an accurate barometer for anyone fortunate enough to be able to consider a Newell Coach purchase.

Building a Newell
Before any actual construction is done, a prospective buyer will spend several days with Newell discussing what that buyer is looking for in a coach. Once a basic floor plan is chosen, it is customized to meet the needs of that person. An intensive equipment list is gone over and specific equipment and appliances are chosen and logged into a 20-plus-page options spec sheet. Cabinetry, interior décor, and exterior paint schemes are selected. A wide selection of exotic woods, solid-surface countertops, fabrics, plumbing and lighting fixtures, and other design elements are chosen. Newell’s commitment to quality limits them to producing 24 coaches per year so once the order is finalized it will be a five-month wait until production begins. Up until that time it is possible to alter these details and make changes, which happens more often than not.

Frame and Superstructure
The actual construction of a Newell Coach begins in the frame shop. Skilled welders create a chassis framework that is custom designed for that particular coach. Axles and suspension components are added. After approximately two weeks the chassis is rolled to the net bay, where the engine, transmission, generator, and various brake and air system components are added. The unit receives a 7-inch-thick floor comprised of high-density structural foam sandwiched between layers of 3/4-inch plywood.

At the next station the structural tubing is added to support the walls and roof. Traditional construction consists of lowering a pre-fabricated wall assembly onto the floor structure and holding it in place with screw fasteners. Newell welds an aluminum skeleton to the chassis structure, which creates a continuous monocoque structure capable of distributing stress and forces across the entire chassis, resulting in a rigid structure that doesn’t flex when driving. Aluminum skin is then applied to the wall exteriors and roof. Before going any farther, the coach is leak tested to ensure that everything is properly sealed. Any in-wall wiring is then run and passed through looms and conduits in the grometted wall tubing and ceiling trusses. The interior walls are then sprayed with a high R value insulating foam.

Making it a home
The next step is to apply the interior wall plywood and build any partition walls for this particular coach. Wiring and plumbing are also run at this time. All plumbing is run within the floor to keep everything insulated and protected from freezing. Troughs are cut into the floor and any pipe runs are made with the proper pitch to the holding tank before refoaming the floor and replacing any missing plywood. Cabinetry and interior wall coverings are installed and work progresses as the final flooring, appliances, and wiring is finished up over the next few months.

Paint
When the coach is almost complete it will be driven to the paint shop where the custom paintjob is applied using high-end BASF paint. A total of seven coats of polyurethane clearcoat are applied with various cut and buff steps in between, resulting in a glassy smooth finish with excellent depth. After the paint shop is finished the coach will go to final fit and finish where mirrors, awnings, and other exterior items are added. The final entertainment system components are also added at this time. During this final phase the coach will undergo a series of road tests to properly calibrate the engine’s ECM, the transmission, and the computer-assisted suspension. Anything that doesn’t seem right is written up, corrected, and retested. A final water test is then run and the coach is cleaned up and will undergo a final Executive Review by management before signing off as complete. The extensive quality control begins in the frame shop and is continually monitored throughout production, resulting in a flawless product ready for delivery to the customer.

Common Features: Mechanical
While each Newell is unique, there are a number of features that are common throughout every Newell. It begins with the chassis. Each custom-built frame is equipped with a 600hp Cummins ISX diesel engine that puts out 1,950 lb-ft of stump pulling torque. The ZF StabilRide air suspension features outboard airbags to minimize roll. Computer-controlled electronic shocks feature a 10-millisecond response time and vary the shock absorber dampening as needed. The ride can be adjusted at the instrument panel to vary the ride and handling between soft and sport to suit each driver’s personal taste. TRW’s EasiSteer steering provides electronic assist to ease steering tasks and minimize the effects of crosswinds, resulting in an effortless ride. A steerable tag axle is automatically actuated on tight turns to provide a nice, tight turning radius.

Instead of traditional fixed analog gauges, a Silverleaf Virtual Dash is installed that can emulate any dash layout. The digital screen can display analog gauges or any of a number of digital alternative displays, including an aircraft cockpit emulation mode.

A 20,000-watt Martin generator set is mounted in an enclosure at the very front of the coach. Most diesel pushers feature a generator set that slides out on rails. Newell’s generator is mounted in a soundproof enclosure that is easily accessed from the front cap. The radiator is relocated to a side compartment midway on the driver side. The coolant is pumped to the remote radiator, allowing the generator to be sealed off so that engine noise common to other generator installations isn’t present. The result is that the generator is whisper silent, unlike typical Class A motorhomes.

An Aqua-Hot hydronic heating system can be powered by a diesel burner or a pair of 120V electric heating elements. This system provides plenty of heating capacity for the coach interior or on-demand unlimited domestic hot water usage. Both the Aqua-Hot exhaust and the generator exhaust are routed to the rear of the coach and exit through an attractive diffuser that matches the engine’s exhaust. Electric in-floor heating is also employed to ensure that the polished ceramic floors are kept warm to bare feet. Both 120V and 12V compressors keep the coach air systems pressurized to power the automatic air leveling system as well as various interior sliding doors. A ducted air-conditioning system provides cool air through quiet ducting and is also piped to the various electronics compartments.

Newell slide outs easily set the standard in the industry. The robust slide out mechanisms extends each slide out effortlessly and silently. The slide out floors are flush with the main coach flooring. Once the slide outs extend, a riser panel raises up to fill the gap and the entire floor looks as one solid piece with no lips or gaps. Once it’s time to retract the slides this panel automatically lowers and the slide out retracts to fill that gap. After the slide out is fully retracted air inflatable slide out seals inflate to seal up any possible air gaps. The combination of flush-mounted slide outs and the inflatable air seal makes for a whisper quiet drive.

Inside
Newell offers almost any interior décor possible. A wide selection of exotic hardwoods can add that special touch of uniqueness to your woodworking. Fabrics, leathers, and solid surface countertop materials are also custom chosen by each buyer, as are floor coverings such as bamboo or reconstituted leather flooring materials with granite inlays. The galley area is fitted with the finest appliances, from Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezers to the latest stainless steel appliances.

Pneumatic pocket doors and a host of motorized accessories, such as TV lifts, bed lifts, and recliners, are well taken care off. Dual inverters provide plenty of AC power at all times when running the 20kw generator is not desired. If the batteries run low the system will automatically start the generator to recharge them and manage your power loads. Both DC and AC electric compressors keep the coach’s air pressure reservoirs charged up to power the pneumatic accessories and air leveling suspension.

The LED TV screens dedicated to the extensive entertainment system can also be used to view security cameras or manage other aspects of the coach environmental systems. An iPad wireless tablet can be used to remotely access the multiplex wiring system that controls the lighting system, entertainment system, heating and air conditioning, awnings, and other assorted coach functions from any location in the coach.

Styling by Porsche Design now includes refined chrome headlight and generator door trim. Cathedral-style taillights were inspired by the iconic ’55-56 Packard. The integrated patio awnings, overhead mirrors, and custom exhaust diffusers all help to create an eye-popping beauty of an ultra-luxury motor coach.

Road Test and Review
Driving the Newell 2020P was a unique experience and unlike driving any other Class A motorhome. The EasiSteer steering system helped to center the wheel during crosswinds and when on crowned road surfaces and provided an adjustable power assist to accommodate any driver’s preferences. In similar manner the computer-controlled StabilRide active suspension was also user adjustable to vary between a soft and sporty ride. It minimized the roll and lean of the coach and gave it a sure-footed, yet comfortable ride.

The 600hp Cummins ISX effortlessly moved the coach through the gears and grades just melted away beneath the 1,950 lb-ft of torque. The suspension system, steering, and drivetrain will let you drive all day without feeling beat up at the end of the trip. Visibility out the windshield and via the cameras was excellent. When it came time to maneuver into a parking area or make a tight turn, the steerable tag axle automatically engaged and reduced the turning radius to that of a coach much shorter in length.

Wind noise was virtually non-existent. The aerodynamics of the 2020P minimized any extrusions that might create turbulence. The thick insulated floor, flush-mounted slide outs, integrated awnings, and the inflatable pneumatic seals all contributed to an enjoyable quiet ride.

The Newell 2020P is truly a unique luxury coach. By being designed from the ground up, rather than a bus conversion, Newell has the ability to incorporate cutting-edge technology and engineering into its design. Their commitment to constantly raising the bar illustrates the desire of Newell to constantly improve and achieve the greatest possible coach.